With no big fights on the horizon at 168 pounds, David Morrell opted to end his super middleweight time and head on over to the light heavyweight division.

In his debut, the talented Cuban took a hard look at the landscape for an opponent. The Ring’s No. 8 ranked light heavyweight wasn’t interested in a soft touch for his anticipated debut. So, desperate to make an impression, he called out Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic.

The 33-year-old has always been considered a good fighter but Morrell viewed him as a stepping stone on his way to bigger and better things. Kalajdzic though, didn’t complain. He accepted the fight, immured himself in an arduous training camp, and showed up on fight night in incredible shape.

While he was considered a gigantic underdog, by the time the final bell rang, many were convinced that Kalajdzic (29-3, 21 KOs) had done more than enough to earn the victory. Unfortunately for Hot Rod, the three judges sitting ringside saw things differently, handing Morrell the victory.

Getting down on himself won’t get Kalajdzic anywhere. So instead, he’s back in camp preparing for a return fight in February. For the former title challenger, he isn’t the biggest trash-talker in the world. He also isn’t the type to call his shot. However, when he was presented with the name Jesse Hart during a recent interview with The Ring, his eyes lit up.

“I would take that fight in a heartbeat. I would definitely like to fight him.”

For Hart, he’s been on his own reclamation project. With five consecutive victories, four coming via stoppage, he too wants to jump back in with the light heavyweight division’s top guns.

In steps Kalajdzic.

Skipping steps isn't something that Hot Rod indulges in. He knows that looking ahead can end badly. So for now, he’ll keep his focus on his upcoming comeback fight. But his February bout represents a stay-busy contest. One he should win handily.

If a matchup with Hart came to fruition eventually, Kalajdzic would be the happiest man around. In terms of how things would play out, the longtime contender doesn’t want to be flippant. Nevertheless, he doesn't believe that Hart is even remotely in his league.

“I think I would stop him.”